Yamal and Araujo score as Barcelona get past Albacete and into the semi-finals of the Copa de Rey

Barcelona ended Albacete’s killer run in the Copa del Rey by winning 2-1 on Tuesday to become the first side to book a place in the semi-finals, but only after surviving a late comeback from the second-tier team.

Lamine Yamal added the score in the 39th minute and captain Ronald Araujo scored from a corner in the second half as Barcelona remained on course to defend the trophy it won the previous year.

Albacete pulled one back in the 87th minute through Javier Moreno and then had a try clear of the Barca line in stoppage time as it made a late bid for another high-profile scalp.

Albacete, who are 12th in the Spanish second division, had upset Celta Vigo and Real Madrid in the previous rounds but fell behind in the quarter-final when Marcus helped Rashford steal the ball and passed it to Frenkie de Jong, who in turn set up Yamal for a stunning left-footed finish.

Rashford had squandered an early chance and Dani Olmo’s volley was deflected for a corner before Yamal broke the deadlock.

Albacete had two quick chances to equalize before half-time, but centre-forward Antonio Puertas was unable to convert either chance.

Olmo had another shot blocked after Rashford’s run set him up from close range in the 47th minute, but Barcelona doubled the score nine minutes later as Araujo headed home in his first start since taking a mental health break in December.

Journeyman striker Jefte Betancor, who had scored twice for Albacete against Real last month, could have got his side back into contention but failed to make an immediate impact from the bench as he shot wide in the 63rd minute and missed with a free header ten minutes later.

But Moreno headed back the deficit from a free-kick in a frenetic final that saw Ferran Torres pull the ball clear for what Barca thought was his third goal in the 89th minute before the ball was ruled offside.

Albacete then laid siege to the La Liga leaders, forcing Gerard Martin to leave the line in dramatic fashion.

Deportivo Alaves host Real Sociedad and Valencia host Athletic Bilbao in other Spanish Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, while Atletico Madrid visit Real Betis on Thursday.

Barcelona won the cup last year, beating Real Madrid 3-2 after extra time in the final in Seville.

Published on February 4, 2026